Pelvimeter, Paris, France, 1860-1870

Made:
1860-1870 in Paris
maker:
Collin et Compagnie
Pelvimeter, van Huevel, steel and brass, by Collin of Paris

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Pelvimeter, van Huevel, steel and brass, by Collin of Paris
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pelvimeter, van Huevel, steel and brass, by Collin of Paris, from Charriere Collin and Gentile collection, circa 1865

Belgian obstetrician Jean Baptist Van Huevel (1802-1883) designed this pelvimeter. It was made by instrument maker Collin of Paris. A pelvimeter measured the pelvic diameters of pregnant women. The opening of the handles allowed measurements to be read off a sliding scale. This was part of a scientific attempt to identify those women most likely to experience obstructed labour. The technique was known as pelvimetry. It was developed during the late 1700s by Frenchman Jean Louis Baudelocque (1746-1810).

This pelvimeter was originally part of an instrument collection belonging to amalgamated French companies Charrière, Collin and Gentile. It was sold in 1978.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A606308
Materials:
steel, chromium-plated and brass, gilt
Measurements:
overall: 105 mm x 290 mm x 10 mm, .19kg
type:
obstetric pelvimeter (external)
credit:
Drouot